Economic and thermal analysis of a tubular thermoelectric power generator equipped with a novel fin-pin-porous based heat exchanger; comparative case study with conventional smooth channel

Wasted hot exhaust gas in thermodynamic engineering systems is always a potential source of power generation via different techniques. Passing the hot gas through the inner area of a tubular thermoelectric module can directly convert the hot gas into electricity. In this research, it is shown how the performance of tubular thermoelectric heat recovery is significantly boosted using a novel fin-pin-porous based heat exchanger. Generally, the results show that the proposed integrated structure can enhance the output power of the recovery system up to 45%-110% compared to the conventional smooth channel-based tubular thermoelectric generator. A comparative case study is carried out between the new proposed system and conventional smooth structure from different viewpoints including power generation, conversion efficiency, pumping power and economic cost.

Automated summary

Wasted hot exhaust gas in thermodynamic engineering systems can be converted into electricity through different techniques. This research significantly improves the performance of tubular thermoelectric heat recovery by using a novel fin-pin-porous based heat exchanger. The proposed integrated structure can enhance the output power of the recovery system up to 45%-110% compared to the conventional smooth channel-based tubular thermoelectric generator. A comparative case study is conducted between the new proposed system and conventional smooth structure from different viewpoints including power generation, conversion efficiency, pumping power and economic cost.